SCHOOLCHILDREN raised thousands of pounds for charity in memory of a former student who died aged 16.

Pupils at Honywood Community Science School in Coggeshall hosted an evening of entertainment in honour of Matt Sims.

Matt died last November after a battle with leukaemia.

The school handed a cheque for more than £5,000 to Matt’s mum, Michelle, of Peace Road, Stanway.

Celebration of a Young Life featured performances the young actor had taken in part in while he was at the school, such as Grease and Hairspray.

The show was held on March 29, which would have been Matt’s 17th birthday.

Mrs Sims said: “I want to thank pupils, ex pupils and staff for organising such a tribute event.

“It was really personal as everybody knew Matt, and I just want to say a big thank you.

“All who took part very brave as it was quite emotional, but they were all very brave and it was an absolutely fantastic and overwhelming tribute to Matt.”

The money will be shared between the Anthony Nolan Trust, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Clic Sargent.

Matt was diagnosed with the illness in December 2010, underwent a stem cell transplant in May 2011, but died in London University College Hospital in November.

He left parents Craig and Michelle, sister Charlotte, 22, and brother Joseph, 12, and his long-time girlfriend Rhiannon Griffiths.